Neji's POV (Trial of Nio - Land of Iron)
Neji's team silently traveled. His eyes made it clear they were close to the goal, seeing the flag even from their current distance. He also noticed another rider taking a separate path. But they had all their points, and based on the fact they were solo, they were likely not a threat nor worth the time to take care of. His eyes also showed that Naruto and Ino had already arrived. It appears he was the slowest here.
Kurotsuchi whooped in joy as she saw the finish line come close. "Ya, we're finally getting off this damn mountain!"
"I don't support how you said it, but I certainly won't miss this mountain either," Tenten replied casually.
"And why is that Panda?" Sai asked innocently.
"First off, you're dead meat once this is over." Tenten threatened. Sai seemed confused by this, but she merely trucked on. "This thin air makes it feel like I can't breathe."
"Typical Leaf softies!" Kurotsuchi answered happily. "We live on them at home."
"Rich, hearing you call us softly, considering we defeated you in the last war," Sai added happily, not even realizing the confrontational nature of her comment. Luckily, this worked well on Kurotsuchi, who grumbled angrily at that, not quite realizing Sai was a bit of an oddity.
"Ignore him." Tenten offered as she faced Palmed. "He does it to everyone; he doesn't know any better."
"He's lucky," Kurotsuchi stated with a frown.
"Very much so," Sai answered as he mocked Kurotsuchi's face. Attempting to decipher the expression she was making.
"GET THE FUCK OUT OF OUR WAY!" A deep animal-like voice called. Team Eight watched in shock as a building-sized dog hopped over them. Horse held it safely in its mouth.
They all looked on in shock as the dog raced to the finish, dropping the horse and exploding with smoke. A weak-looking Kiba and Akamaru both collapsed as several medical personnel ran over to aid them.
Team Eight finished mere moments after too much less fanfare than Kiba.
Yuno / Hinata's POV (Trial of Nio - Land of Iron)
Yuno's life had often been a confusing mess. Before she was born, her clan had attempted to throw a coup, leading to much of her family being killed or detained. Luckily, her father was not a Uchiha, and she and he had been spared.
The complications of life continued in the Trial of Nio. Her team had been an odd group, with none being compelling. They had launched an assault on Team Two and had been pushed back viciously, Mubi being killed in the process. Raiga had chosen to stay behind to fight the man, undoubtedly leading to his death. Karui and her had been an unlikely pairing to make it through. This is further shown when the waterman appeared and pressed them both with ease. They had been lucky to survive, let alone make it out. She had; Karui had been too exhausted and had to drop. Then, she helped Kiba in the process, getting the points needed to pass.
She had wrecked her brain on how to finish the Trial of Nio. But how can we do it efficiently without being crushed by another team? She had debated trying to navigate the forest with her steed before she witnessed another team passing her by from the path she just left. She recognized Hinata and the waterman who had attacked them earlier. She also believed the man in the body suit had briefly clashed with Neji. Yuno smiled as an idea passed through her mind.
X-X
Hinata's POV
Hinata had her reasons for doing this exam. Firstly, with the shocking ally of Neji, she had grown heaps and bounds and wished to show such. Furthermore, security would be promoted here with things at the Hyuga residence heating up. It would allow her to hold onto her heir position until Hanabi achieved it.
She also wanted to see how she measured up. She had come a long way from her shy self, but doubtless, she had even longer to go. The only way to ensure this would be to try her very best! She owed it to Neji for sticking up for her. She owed the Side House retribution for years of discrimination, and she owed herself to show she was not a failure. To prove her father wrong.
Hinata and Kankuro were shocked when they got points. Even more so when an injured Magetsu returned, but with their points in mind, they raced forward. Kankuro and Mangetsu rode on the horse as Hinata ran from behind. She was focused on making sure no other team snuck up on them. At the same time, Kankuro concentrates on the front. They were having a great time and were quickly approaching the finish.
All three shinobi tensed at this point. If there were an ambush set, it would likely be here. Luckily, the group faced no opposition as they crossed the line. All three slowly unsensing as Mifune approached.
"I see both of the final teams have finished." He said formally.
"Um, old man, there's only one team here," Kankuro answered with a frown as he climbed down the horse.
"Ya, we would know if some clowns were following us," Mangetsu said confidently.
"Easy to say, even easier to be incorrect about." Yuno filled in happily as she and her horse suddenly stood before the group. She climbed down herself as Kankuro and Mangetsu seemed to boil with rage. Hinata merely smiled at her friend as Yuno walked up and whispered into her ear. "Thanks for not ratting me out, Hinata, you little cutie."
"N-no problem Yuno-san." Hinata replied with a subtle smile. The two girls nodded at one another as Yuno walked to the other side of Mifune.
"With that, all teams have passed. If you follow me, I'll show you where you can rest and where the rest of the Chunin Exams will be handled." Mifune informed the group, leading the group past a large stadium and several merchants into a smaller building. Inside, there was a litany of screens, and even the Hokage and Raikage observed from a distance. A group of chairs contained other passing Genin, and various sensei filled out the rest of the room.
"Sit and rest for now. I will announce everything shortly." Mifune told them before marching off towards the two Kage.
It seemed the Trial of Nio had ended.
Mifune's POV (VIP Room of Trial of Nio - Land of Iron)
With some short barking of samurai officials, the Genin were quickly gathered into a herd, patiently standing before the three older men. The Raikage radiated power and energy, clearly on another level than most. Hiruzen held a captivating aura of his own. While it was more pleasant than the Raikage's, it felt as powerful.
Mifune supposed he seemed to lack luster in comparison, but samurai cared little for personal glory. He looked down at the group of Genin and saw that the guard's betting still seemed healthy. He allowed them to bask in the moment for a second. All the better for his speech to cut through the minds of the Genin.
"Firstly," Mifune started. "You have all passed the Trial of Nio and Janus. Congratulations are in order. Furthermore, you all performed well. You make your various homes proud by standing here today. But your duty is not yet done. If you wish to become a Chunin, you have one more task in front of you. The final trial is an infamous one. A tournament will be held. You will go through various one-on-one battles in this tournament until one stands. These are to show off your more combat-based skills. This will be held in a month. This allows the crowd to gather and quickly provide potential business to your homes. These matches will be randomly determined. With your place in finishing, determine if you fight first or last. To ensure you all can do your best, we've given you one month to train and prepare." Mifune raised his hand and clicked a remote. This dropped a thin screen that held the numbers and names of the participants. "This will help us determine the matches and the order. Here are the matchups:
First Match
Kankuro of the Sand VS Kurotsuchi of the Stone
Second Match
Shikamaru Nara VS Suigetsu Hozuki
Third Match
Mangetsu Hozuki VS Omoi of the Cloud
Forth Match
Yuno Uchiha VS Shino Aburame
Fifth Match
Sasuke Uchiha VS Neji Hyuga
Sixth Match
Naruto Uzumaki VS Tenten of the Leaf
Seventh Match
Sai of the Leaf VS Temari of the Sand
Eighth Match
Gaara of the Sand VS Kiba Inuzuka
Ninth Match
Rock Lee VS Fuu of the Waterfall
Tenth Match
Ino Yamanaka VS Samui of the Cloud
Bye Round
Hinata Hyuga
The information was displayed on the board in bracket formation, allowing the Genin to see their opponents. In merely one month, the Chunin Exams would continue. They all had to prepare.